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SPARTAN-III program: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{References}}
{{Infobox Military Unit
{{Infobox Military Unit
|unit_name = Spartan-III program
|unit_name = Spartan-III program
|image = [[File:Newspartan3s.jpg|300px]]
|image = [[File:Newspartan3s.jpg|320px]]
|dates = [[2531]] - [[2552]] <small>(folded into [[Spartan (branch)|Spartan branch]])
|allegiance = [[UNSC Defense Force]]
|allegiance = [[UNSC Defense Force]]
|branch =  
|branch = [[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Weapons]]
|type = Special operations
|type = Special operations
|size = *[[SPARTAN-III Alpha Company|Alpha Company]] - Destroyed
|size = *[[SPARTAN-III Alpha Company|Alpha Company]] - Destroyed
*[[SPARTAN-III Beta Company|Beta Company]] - Destroyed
*[[SPARTAN-III Beta Company|Beta Company]] - Destroyed
*[[SPARTAN-III Gamma Company|Gamma Company]] - Active <small>(incorporated into Spartan branch)</small>
*[[SPARTAN-III Gamma Company|Gamma Company]] - Folded into [[Spartan (branch)|Spartan branch]]
*[[SPARTAN-III Delta Company|Delta Company]] - Never instated
*[[SPARTAN-III Delta Company|Delta Company]] - Never instated
*[[Headhunters]] - Unknown
*[[Headhunters]] - Unknown
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|battles = *[[Insurrection]]
|battles = *[[Insurrection]]
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
|commanders = *[[Colonel]] [[James Ackerson]]
|commanders = *[[James Ackerson|Colonel James Ackerson]]
*[[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Kurt Ambrose]]
*[[Kurt Ambrose|Lieutenant Commander Kurt Ambrose]]
*[[Senior Chief Petty Officer]] [[Franklin Mendez]]
*[[Franklin Mendez|Senior Chief Petty Officer Franklin Mendez]]
|notable_commanders = *[[Carter-A259]]
*[[Lucy-B091]]
*[[Tom-B292]]
*[[Ash-G099]]
}}
}}
{{Quote|Make the units better with new technology. Make more of them. And make them cheaper.|[[Colonel]] [[James Ackerson]]}}
{{Quote|Make the units better with new technology. Make more of them. And make them cheaper.|[[James Ackerson|Colonel James Ackerson]]<ref name="Page 44">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''pages 44-48''</ref>}}


The '''SPARTAN-III program''' was a top-secret project initiated by the [[Beta-5 Division]] of the [[Office of Naval Intelligence#Section Three|Office of Naval Intelligence's Section III]] in order to produce cheap and expendable supersoldiers to stem the tide of the [[Covenant]]'s onslaught against the [[Outer Colonies]]. In active service between [[2536]] and [[2552]], the SPARTAN-IIIs turned the tide of several critical battles of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. After the war, the remaining SPARTAN-III personnel were given the opportunity to join the newly formed [[Spartan (branch)|Spartan branch]], supplementing the numbers of the [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IVs]].<ref name="SIV">'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 435''</ref>
The '''SPARTAN-III program''' was a top-secret project initiated by the [[Beta-5 Division]] of the [[Office of Naval Intelligence#Section Three|Office of Naval Intelligence's Section III]] in order to produce cheap and expendable supersoldiers to stem the tide of the [[Covenant]]'s onslaught against the [[Outer Colonies]].<ref name="Page 44"/> In active service between [[2536]] and [[2552]], the SPARTAN-IIIs turned the tide of several critical battles of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. After the war, the remaining SPARTAN-III personnel were given the opportunity to join the newly formed [[Spartan (branch)|Spartan branch]], supplementing the numbers of the [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IVs]].<ref name="SIV">'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 435''</ref>


==Introduction==
The SPARTAN-III project was both a successor and supplement to the [[SPARTAN-II program]]. Created and engineered by [[James Ackerson|Colonel James Ackerson]] of the Office of Naval Intelligence, the SPARTAN-IIIs were to be the next generation of supersoldiers. Composed primarily of vengeful orphans from fallen colonies,<ref name="Page 70">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 70''</ref> they would be cheaper to arm, train, and produce; being chosen from a wider pool of candidates, they would also be more numerous than their SPARTAN-II predecessors. They would rely on teamwork and sheer numbers rather than advanced technology and equipment to achieve effectiveness.<ref name="Page 44"/>
The SPARTAN-III project was both a successor and supplement to the [[SPARTAN-II program]]. Created and engineered by [[Colonel]] [[James Ackerson]] of the Office of Naval Intelligence, the SPARTAN-IIIs were to be the next generation of supersoldiers. Composed primarily of vengeful orphans from fallen colonies,<ref name="Page 70">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 70''</ref> they would be cheaper to arm, train, and produce; being chosen from a wider pool of candidates, they would also be more numerous than their SPARTAN-II predecessors. They would rely on teamwork and sheer numbers rather than advanced technology and equipment to achieve effectiveness.<ref name="Page 44">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 44-48''</ref>


==Purpose==
==Purpose==
The SPARTAN-II program had been a dazzling success for the UNSC. Tales of Spartan supersoldiers fighting off thousands of [[Covenant]] attacks had become the stuff of legend. Unfortunately, there were too few SPARTAN-IIs to turn the tide of the war. Even worse, the director for the program, [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]], had postponed the training of new SPARTAN-IIs for years due to the extremely specific genetic requirements for the children to be selected.
The [[SPARTAN-II program]] had been a dazzling success for the UNSC. Tales of Spartan supersoldiers fighting off thousands of [[Covenant]] attacks had become the stuff of legend. Unfortunately, there were too few SPARTAN-IIs to turn the tide of the war. Even worse, the director for the program, [[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]], had postponed the training of new SPARTAN-IIs for years due to the extremely specific genetic requirements for the children to be selected.<ref name="Page 44"/>


The SPARTAN-II program also had several problems and deficiencies which overshadowed its success to ONI. Firstly, the high mortality rate of the children during [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|augmentation]] was counter-productive to the goal of the program. Next, funding the Spartans, including their training and [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]], cost as much as a [[battle group]], at least according to [[Rear Admiral]] [[Ned Rich]]. Third, there were far too few of them for them to turn the tide of the war. Finally, the SPARTAN-II program had gone public to improve morale in [[2547]]. Even though it was a huge morale boost to the UNSC, it was a problem for most of the Office of Naval Intelligence. ONI operated in secrecy, and anything that shone light on their operations was seen as detrimental to their efforts.
The SPARTAN-II program also had several problems and deficiencies which overshadowed its success to the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]. Firstly, the high mortality rate of the children during [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|augmentation]] was counter-productive to the goal of the program. Next, funding the Spartans, including their training and [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]], cost as much as a [[battle group]], at least according to [[Ned Rich|Rear Admiral Ned Rich]].<ref name="Page 44"/> Third, there were far too few of them for them to turn the tide of the war. Finally, the SPARTAN-II program had gone public to improve morale in [[2547]].<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=intel&cid=24024 '''Bungie.net''': ''The Spartan Project'']</ref> Even though it was a huge morale boost to the UNSC, it was a problem for most of the Office of Naval Intelligence. ONI operated in secrecy, and anything that shone light on their operations was seen as detrimental to their efforts.


The SPARTAN-IIIs were designed to be cheap and expendable. Trained in companies of around 300 at a time, they were ultimately sent on suicide missions that the UNSC could not accomplish even with the elite [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]. Though the casualty rates of the SPARTAN-IIIs stood at 100 percent on some missions, to ONI, all the operations were strategic successes. They were trading lives for time against the larger and technologically superior [[Covenant]]. ONI hoped that in time, enough Spartans would survive to train more and more future Spartans, swelling the ranks of available supersoldiers from only thirty SPARTAN-IIs in [[2531]] to a hundred thousand SPARTAN-IIIs within ten to twenty years.<ref name="Page 44"/>
The SPARTAN-IIIs were designed to be cheap and expendable. Trained in companies of around 300 at a time, they were ultimately sent on suicide missions that the UNSC could not accomplish even with the elite [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 15''</ref> Though the casualty rates of the SPARTAN-IIIs stood at 100 percent on some missions, to ONI, all the operations were strategic successes. They were trading lives for time against the larger and technologically superior [[Covenant]]. ONI hoped that in time, enough Spartans would survive to train more and more future Spartans, swelling the ranks of available supersoldiers from only thirty SPARTAN-IIs in [[2531]] to a hundred thousand SPARTAN-IIIs within ten to twenty years.<ref name="Page 44"/>


==SPARTAN-III companies==
==SPARTAN-III companies==
[[File:Spartan III Alpha Company.png|thumb|Members of Alpha Company being inspected by one of their trainers]]
[[File:Spartan III Alpha Company.png|thumb|250px|Members of Alpha Company being inspected by one of their trainers]]
===Alpha Company===
===Alpha Company===
{{Main|SPARTAN-III Alpha Company}}
{{Main|SPARTAN-III Alpha Company}}
On [[2531#December|December 27, 2531]], the first group of SPARTAN-IIIs, known as Alpha Company, was sent to [[Onyx]] to be trained at [[Camp Currahee]]. They were led by [[Kurt Ambrose]] a SPARTAN-II who had been abducted by ONI to administer the program. Of the 497 candidates who were conscripted, only 300 became Spartans. This class of Spartans all survived the augmentations and was activated in November of [[2536]]. Their record was at first exemplary, as they saw action at the [[Insurrection of Mamore|Insurrection of]] [[Mamore]], the [[Battle of New Constantinople]], and at the [[Bonanza Asteroid Belt]]. Nine months after they were activated, they were massacred in [[Operation: PROMETHEUS]]. All 300 Spartans deployed on the mission were killed.<ref name="Page 83"/>
On [[2531#December|December 27, 2531]], the first group of SPARTAN-IIIs, known as Alpha Company, was sent to [[Onyx]] to be trained at [[Camp Currahee]]. They were led by [[Kurt Ambrose]], a SPARTAN-II who had been abducted by ONI to administer the program. Of the 497 candidates who were conscripted, only 300 became Spartans.<ref name="Page 70">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 69''</ref> This class of Spartans all survived the augmentations and was activated in November of [[2536]]. Their record was at first exemplary, as they saw action at the [[Insurrection of Mamore|Insurrection of]] [[Mamore]], the [[Battle of New Constantinople]], and at the [[Bonanza Asteroid Belt]].<ref name="goo88">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 88''</ref> Nine months after they were activated, they were massacred in [[Operation: PROMETHEUS]]. All 300 Spartans deployed on the mission were killed.<ref name="Page 83"/>


An unknown number of Alpha Company's members, deemed to match the criteria used in selecting the SPARTAN-II candidates (known as "CAT-IIs"), were hand-picked by Mendez and Kurt before Operation: PROMETHEUS and extracted from the company. These Spartans were assigned to other units (sometimes within other branches of the military) and given MJOLNIR armor. By 2552, three of these Spartans served with [[NOBLE Team]]: [[Carter-A259]], [[Jun-A266]], and [[Emile-A239]].<ref name="comm">[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel&cid=24040 '''Bungie.net''': ''Communique from Kurt to Mendez'']</ref>
An unknown number of Alpha Company's members, deemed to match the criteria used in selecting the SPARTAN-II candidates (known as "CAT-IIs"), were hand-picked by Mendez and Kurt before Operation: PROMETHEUS and extracted from the company. These Spartans were assigned to other units—sometimes within other branches of the military—and given MJOLNIR armor. By 2552, four of these Spartans served with [[NOBLE Team]]: [[Carter-A259]], [[Jun-A266]], [[Emile-A239]], and [[Thom-A293]].<ref name="comm">[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel&cid=24040 '''Bungie.net''': ''Communique from Kurt to Mendez'']</ref>


===Beta Company===
===Beta Company===
{{Main|SPARTAN-III Beta Company}}
{{Main|SPARTAN-III Beta Company}}
Beta Company was approved right after Operation: PROMETHEUS in [[2537]]. 418 candidates were conscripted in [[2539]], but only 300 became Spartans. Disheartened at the loss of Alpha Company, Ambrose used a tougher training program and more thoroughly trained them in unit cohesiveness. Despite their superior training, they were similarly massacred in [[Operation: TORPEDO]] in [[2545]]. From the entire company, only two participants survived the battle.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''Prologue''</ref>
Beta Company was approved right after Operation: PROMETHEUS in [[2537]]. 418 candidates were conscripted in [[2539]], but only 300 became Spartans.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 89''</ref> Disheartened at the loss of Alpha Company, Ambrose used a tougher training program and more thoroughly trained them in unit cohesiveness. Despite their superior training, they were similarly massacred in [[Operation: TORPEDO]] in [[2545]]. From the entire company, only two participants survived the battle.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''Prologue''</ref>


As with Alpha Company, several members of Beta Company deemed too valuable to be wasted on suicide missions were pulled out of the unit before Operation: TORPEDO. Some of them were initially assigned to non-combat roles as cover, much to Colonel Ackerson's dismay, as he wanted to have all Spartans in the field. Like the personnel extracted from Alpha Company, they were issued with special equipment such as MJOLNIR. These included [[Kat-B320]] and [[SPARTAN-B312]], both of whom later served with NOBLE Team, as well as [[SPARTAN-B170]].<ref name="comm"/>
As with Alpha Company, several members of Beta Company deemed too valuable to be wasted on suicide missions were pulled out of the unit before Operation: TORPEDO. Some of them were initially assigned to non-combat roles as cover, much to Colonel Ackerson's dismay, as he wanted to have all Spartans in the field. Like the personnel extracted from Alpha Company, they were issued with special equipment such as MJOLNIR. These included [[Kat-B320]] and [[SPARTAN-B312]], both of whom later served with NOBLE Team, as well as [[SPARTAN-B170]].<ref name="comm"/>
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===Gamma Company===
===Gamma Company===
{{Main|SPARTAN-III Gamma Company}}
{{Main|SPARTAN-III Gamma Company}}
Gamma Company was trained with the help of the only two SPARTAN-IIIs from Beta Company who survived Operation: TORPEDO: [[Tom-B292]] and [[Lucy-B091]]. Lieutenant Commander Ambrose regarded Gamma Company to be the finest of the SPARTAN-III companies. 330 candidates were selected, on average only six years old, and at Ambrose's request all 330 were approved. Every one of them survived the [[Project CHRYSANTHEMUM|augmentation procedures]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', pages 96-120</ref> Gamma Company received deployment orders only a few weeks after the [[Fall of Reach]] and most left Onyx before the [[Battle of Onyx]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', page 139</ref> Only fifteen SPARTAN-IIIs remained on Onyx as they competed for top honors. Following the battle, seven had been killed in action. [[Team Gladius|Teams Gladius]] and [[Team Katana|Katana]] were not present in the early stages of the battle, leaving only [[Team Saber]]. Team Saber was the only SPARTAN-III unit to fight alongside the SPARTAN-II unit [[Blue Team]]. With the help of their older, more experienced counterparts, they successfully fought off a Covenant attack along with destroying a [[Onyx Sentinel|Sentinel]] [[Sentinel manufacturing facility|manufacturing facility]]. Ultimately, the surviving SPARTAN-IIIs escaped to the [[Trevelyan|shield world]] at the core of Onyx.<ref name="Page 369">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 369-383''</ref> The main body of Gamma Company was integrated into the [[SPARTAN-IV program]] attached to the newly formed [[Spartan (branch)|Spartan branch]],<ref name="SIV"/> though some members were returned to non-combatant status.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Catalog Interaction, Page 14'']</ref> The SPARTAN-IIIs on Onyx (having joined Blue Team) were later recovered by the Office of Naval Intelligence and given the choice to join the SPARTAN-IVs.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 382-389''</ref>
Gamma Company was trained with the help of the only two SPARTAN-IIIs from Beta Company who survived Operation: TORPEDO: [[Tom-B292]] and [[Lucy-B091]]. Lieutenant Commander Ambrose regarded Gamma Company to be the finest of the SPARTAN-III companies. 330 candidates were selected, on average only six years old, and at Ambrose's request all 330 were approved. Every one of them survived the [[Project CHRYSANTHEMUM|augmentation procedures]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 96-120''</ref> Gamma Company received deployment orders only a few weeks after the [[Fall of Reach]] and most left Onyx before the [[Battle of Onyx]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 139''</ref> Only fifteen SPARTAN-IIIs remained on Onyx as they competed for top honors. Following the battle, seven had been killed in action. [[Team Gladius|Teams Gladius]] and [[Team Katana|Katana]] were not present in the early stages of the battle, leaving only [[Team Saber]]. Team Saber was the only SPARTAN-III unit to fight alongside the SPARTAN-II unit [[Blue Team]]. With the help of their older, more experienced counterparts, they successfully fought off a Covenant attack along with destroying a [[Onyx Sentinel|Sentinel]] [[Sentinel manufacturing facility|manufacturing facility]]. Ultimately, the surviving SPARTAN-IIIs escaped to the [[Trevelyan|shield world]] at the core of Onyx.<ref name="Page 369">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 369-383''</ref> The main body of Gamma Company was integrated into the [[SPARTAN-IV program]] attached to the newly formed [[Spartan (branch)|Spartan branch]],<ref name="SIV"/> though some members were returned to non-combatant status.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Catalog Interaction, Page 14'']</ref> The SPARTAN-IIIs on Onyx (having joined Blue Team) were later recovered by the Office of Naval Intelligence and given the choice to join the SPARTAN-IVs.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''pages 382-389''</ref>


===Delta Company===
===Delta Company===
{{Main|SPARTAN-III Delta Company}}
{{Main|SPARTAN-III Delta Company}}
Delta Company was proposed and [[Camp Currahee]] was being prepared for their arrival when the Battle of Onyx began on [[2552#October|October 31, 2552]]. With the death of Lieutenant Commander Ambrose and the disappearances of [[Senior Chief Petty Officer|SCPO]] [[Franklin Mendez]] and Dr. Catherine Halsey, as well as the immediate concerns of the [[Battle of Earth]] and the SPARTAN-IV project, it is highly unlikely that Delta Company was ever trained.
Delta Company was proposed and [[Camp Currahee]] was being prepared for their arrival when the Battle of Onyx began on [[2552#October|October 31, 2552]]. With the death of Lieutenant Commander Ambrose and the disappearances of [[Franklin Mendez|SCPO Franklin Mendez]] and Dr. Catherine Halsey, as well as the immediate concerns of the [[Battle of Earth]] and the SPARTAN-IV project, it is highly unlikely that Delta Company was ever trained.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 121''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 85''</ref>


==Non-company teams==
==Non-company teams==
In addition to the standard company formations, many SPARTAN-IIIs were withdrawn after training to serve in specialist units, at least from Alpha and Beta Companies. Most of these Spartans served under the operational command of the Navy and the [[UNSC Army|Army]],<ref>''Halo: Reach''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''pages 29, 62, 101-105, 130, 139, and 165''</ref> though some served in the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]],<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 101''</ref> and a select few in the [[UNSC Air Force|Air Force]].<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 139''</ref>
In addition to the standard company formations, many SPARTAN-IIIs were withdrawn after training to serve in specialist units, at least from Alpha and Beta Companies. Most of these Spartans served under the operational command of the Navy and the [[UNSC Army|Army]],<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''pages 29, 62, 101-105, 130, 139, and 165''</ref> though some served in the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]],<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 101''</ref> and a select few in the [[UNSC Air Force|Air Force]].<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 139''</ref>


Alpha and Beta Companies initially had 497 and 418 candidates, respectively, although only 300 would become Spartans within each company. Of the "washouts" from these companies, most would later become drill instructors for their successors. However, there may still have been a large recruitment pool from which to draw members for specialist teams. At least three Spartans ([[Emile-A239]], [[Carter-A259]], and [[Jun-A266]], all of whom would later be assigned to NOBLE Team) were culled from Alpha Company, though the extent of these personnel withdrawals is unknown. Lieutenant Commander Ambrose believed that as much as 1.08% of Beta Company could be folded into base personnel prior to the [[Operation: TORPEDO|attack]] on [[Pegasi Delta]], which was expected to be a bloodbath: [[SPARTAN-B312]] was pulled immediately after training and deployed as a "lone wolf" by an unknown superior; [[Kat-B320]] was extracted (with difficulty) after [[Operation: CARTWHEEL]] and assigned to NOBLE Team. Ambrose also attempted to send [[Lucy-B091]] and [[SPARTAN-B170]] on deep, long-term reconnaissance to keep away from Operation: TORPEDO; Lucy ultimately participated in the battle, though B170's fate is unknown. [[Thom-293]]  and [[Rosenda-A344]] (Thom being from an unknown company) also served in the non-company personnel rotation: Thom eventually served as Noble Six, while Rosenda was considered as a possible replacement in case a counter-insurgency arose due to Emile's excessive hostility toward [[Insurrectionist]]s.<ref name="comm"/>
Alpha and Beta Companies initially had 497 and 418 candidates, respectively, although only 300 would become Spartans within each company. Of the "washouts" from these companies, most would later become drill instructors for their successors. However, there may still have been a large recruitment pool from which to draw members for specialist teams. At least four Spartans—[[Emile-A239]], [[Carter-A259]], [[Jun-A266]], and [[Thom-A293]],<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm3015253_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post3015253 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction (Page 51)'']</ref> all of whom would later be assigned to [[NOBLE Team]]—were culled from Alpha Company, though the extent of these personnel withdrawals is unknown. Lieutenant Commander Ambrose believed that as much as 1.08% of Beta Company could be folded into base personnel prior to the [[Operation: TORPEDO|attack]] on [[Pegasi Delta]], which was expected to be a bloodbath: [[SPARTAN-B312]] was pulled immediately after training and deployed as a "lone wolf" by an unknown superior; [[Kat-B320]] was extracted (with difficulty) after [[Operation: CARTWHEEL]] and assigned to NOBLE Team. Ambrose also attempted to send [[Lucy-B091]] and [[SPARTAN-B170]] on deep, long-term reconnaissance to keep away from Operation: TORPEDO;<ref name="comm"/> Lucy ultimately participated in the battle, though B170's fate is unknown. Thom-A293 and [[Rosenda-A344]] also served in the non-company personnel rotation: Thom eventually served as Noble Six, while Rosenda was considered as a possible replacement in case a counter-insurgency arose due to Emile's excessive hostility toward [[Insurrectionist]]s.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=personnel&cid=24523 '''Bungie.net''': ''Emile-A239 personnel profile'']</ref>


Any remaining non-company units were presumably incorporated into the [[Spartan (branch)|Spartan branch]] along with Gamma Company in early 2553.<ref name="SIV"/>
Any remaining non-company units were presumably incorporated into the [[Spartan (branch)|Spartan branch]] along with Gamma Company in early 2553.<ref name="SIV"/>


[[File:Spivariant.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Jonah]] and [[Roland (SPARTAN-III)|Roland]], a Headhunter team]]
===Headhunters===
===Headhunters===
{{main|Headhunters}}
[[File:Spivariant.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Jonah]] and [[Roland (SPARTAN-III)|Roland]], a Headhunter team.]]
Only SPARTAN-IIIs who had survived two or more specially assigned training missions could join the "Headhunters". These two-man teams of SPARTAN-IIIs went on missions far behind enemy lines and were typically expected to die in combat. The Headhunters' existence was secret even to their peers. Once selected, candidates for the program were separated from their fellow Spartans and sent to specialist training camps on the far side of Onyx. The Headhunters were comprehensively evaluated in order to ensure an effective bond between the members of each team. A contingent of six two-man teams, as well as five additional Headhunters, was maintained at all times to ensure the program's numbers remained constant should one or both members of a team be lost. The Headhunters' [[Semi-Powered Infiltration Armor|SPI armor]] was more advanced than the suits issued to most SPARTAN-IIIs, as it included [[energy shielding]], [[motion tracker]]s, and [[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance|VISR]] technology, and could also support a prototype [[active camouflage]] module. It is unclear whether the Headhunters were maintained after the SPARTAN-IIIs' incorporation into the Spartan branch.
{{Main|Headhunters}}
[[File:Noble Team.jpg|150px|thumb|right|[[NOBLE Team]]]]
Only SPARTAN-IIIs who had survived two or more specially assigned training missions could join the "Headhunters". These two-man teams of SPARTAN-IIIs went on missions far behind enemy lines and were typically expected to die in combat. The Headhunters' existence was secret even to their peers. Once selected, candidates for the program were separated from their fellow Spartans and sent to specialist training camps on the far side of [[Onyx]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]", ''page 161''</ref> The Headhunters were comprehensively evaluated in order to ensure an effective bond between the members of each team. A contingent of six two-man teams, as well as five additional Headhunters, was maintained at all times to ensure the program's numbers remained constant should one or both members of a team be lost.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', "Headhunters", ''page 160''</ref> The Headhunters' [[Semi-Powered Infiltration Armor|SPI armor]] was more advanced than the suits issued to most SPARTAN-IIIs, as it included [[energy shielding]], [[motion tracker]]s, and [[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance|VISR]] technology, and could also support a prototype [[active camouflage]] module.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', "Headhunters", ''pages 163-165''</ref> It is unclear whether the Headhunters were maintained after the SPARTAN-IIIs' incorporation into the Spartan branch.


===MJOLNIR-equipped teams===
===MJOLNIR-equipped teams===
Out of those SPARTAN-IIIs withdrawn from their companies, many were equipped with MJOLNIR armor and deployed similarly to the SPARTAN-IIs rather than on suicide missions like their peers.<ref>See references under "[[SPARTAN-III Program#Non-company teams|Non-company teams]]".</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', pages ''33, 66, 119''</ref><!--To save space, I've limited the references to pages that explicitly refer to SPARTAN-IIIs wearing MJOLNIR. The pages listed in the "Non-company teams" references also apply here. Obviously, all sources relating to NOBLE (i.e. Reach and Birth of a Spartan) also apply, since they're the most important of these non-company units.--><ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 146''</ref> These MJOLNIR-clad SPARTAN-IIIs played a crucial role in many battles throughout the war in every branch of the military. Since the public was not aware of the distinction between the S-IIs and the S-IIIs, the latter let their predecessors take credit for their actions.<ref>'''Headhunters''', ''page ???''</ref>
Out of those SPARTAN-IIIs withdrawn from their companies, many were equipped with MJOLNIR armor and deployed similarly to the SPARTAN-IIs rather than on suicide missions like their peers.<ref>See references under "[[SPARTAN-III Program#Non-company teams|Non-company teams]]".</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', pages ''33, 66, 119''</ref><!--To save space, I've limited the references to pages that explicitly refer to SPARTAN-IIIs wearing MJOLNIR. The pages listed in the "Non-company teams" references also apply here. Obviously, all sources relating to NOBLE (i.e. Reach and Birth of a Spartan) also apply, since they're the most important of these non-company units.--><ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 146''</ref> These MJOLNIR-clad SPARTAN-IIIs played a crucial role in many battles throughout the war in every branch of the military. Since the public was not aware of the distinction between the S-IIs and the S-IIIs, the latter let their predecessors take credit for their actions.<ref>'''Headhunters''', ''page ???''</ref>


Many MJOLNIR-clad SPARTAN-IIIs defended the planet [[Reach]] during the Covenant's invasion of the planet. [[Gauntlet Team|Gauntlet]] and [[Echo Team]]s were rumored to be deployed in civilian evacuation operations on August 23.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[New Alexandria (level)|New Alexandria]]''</ref> Concurrently, multiple SPARTAN-III teams (and an unknown number of SPARTAN-IIs) were deployed to the capital city of [[Casbah]] on [[Tribute]]. One of these fireteams held off a bevy of Covenant vessels while a small number of civilians escaped aboard a transport craft. Though the entire team was killed, the SPARTAN-IVs on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} would later pay homage to their courage with a [[Landfall|simulation]] of [[Battle of Tribute|the engagement]].<ref name="Casbah"/> By 20:00 hours on August 30, [[Thirteen dead Spartans|thirteen Spartans]] had perished near the [[Aszod ship breaking yards]], the last evacuation point on the continent of [[Eposz]]; soon, [[SPARTAN-B312]] of NOBLE Team would die in the same location in a valiant last stand.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Lone Wolf]]''</ref>
Many MJOLNIR-clad SPARTAN-IIIs defended the planet [[Reach]] during the Covenant's invasion of the planet. [[Gauntlet Team|Gauntlet]] and [[Echo Team]]s were rumored to be deployed in civilian evacuation operations on August 23.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[New Alexandria (level)|New Alexandria]]''</ref> Concurrently, multiple SPARTAN-III teams—and an unknown number of SPARTAN-IIs—were deployed to the capital city of [[Casbah]] on [[Tribute]]. One of these fireteams held off a bevy of Covenant vessels while a small number of civilians escaped aboard a transport craft. Though the entire team was killed, the SPARTAN-IVs on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} would later pay homage to their courage with a [[Landfall|simulation]] of [[Battle of Tribute|the engagement]].<ref name="Casbah"/> By 20:00 hours on August 30, [[Thirteen dead Spartans|thirteen Spartans]] had perished near the [[Aszod ship breaking yards]], the last evacuation point on the continent of [[Eposz]]; soon, [[SPARTAN-B312]] of NOBLE Team would die in the same location in a valiant last stand.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Lone Wolf]]''</ref>


====NOBLE Team====
====NOBLE Team====
[[File:Noble Team.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[NOBLE Team]].]]
{{Main|NOBLE Team}}
{{Main|NOBLE Team}}
NOBLE Team was a [[UNSC Special Forces|special operations]] squad of the UNSC's [[Special Warfare Command]]. Unlike the Headhunter program, NOBLE Team was entirely separate from the SPARTAN-III program, being made up of SPARTAN-IIIs extracted from both Alpha and Beta Companies and serving under the [[UNSC Army|Army's]] operational jurisdiction. Composed of five SPARTAN-IIIs and a SPARTAN-II, NOBLE Team was issued [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]], which is much more advanced than the cheaper [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] issued to most SPARTAN-IIIs. Their most notable combat deployment was during the [[Fall of Reach]]. The team was commanded by [[Carter-A259]], with [[Kat-B320]] as his second in command. All but [[Jun-A266]] were killed in combat during the Fall of Reach. NOBLE Team's sacrifice was later commemorated with a statue at [[Hősök tere]] in the city of [[New Alexandria]] on Reach.
NOBLE Team was a [[UNSC Special Forces|special operations]] squad of the UNSC's [[Special Warfare Command]]. Unlike the Headhunter program, NOBLE Team was entirely separate from the SPARTAN-III program, being made up of SPARTAN-IIIs extracted from both Alpha and Beta Companies and serving under the [[UNSC Army|Army's]] operational jurisdiction.<ref name="reports">[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=24530 '''Bungie.net''': ''NOBLE TEAM PERFORMANCE REPORTS'']</ref>
 
Composed of five SPARTAN-IIIs and a SPARTAN-II, NOBLE Team was issued [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]], which is much more advanced than the cheaper [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] issued to most SPARTAN-IIIs. Their most notable combat deployment was during the [[Fall of Reach]]. The team was commanded by [[Carter-A259]], with [[Kat-B320]] as his second-in-command. All but [[Jun-A266]]<ref>'''[[Halo: Initiation]]''', ''[[Halo: Initiation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref> were killed in combat during the Fall of Reach.<ref name="lonewolf">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Lone Wolf]]''</ref> NOBLE Team's sacrifice was later commemorated with a statue at [[Hősök tere]] in the city of [[New Alexandria]] on Reach.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition]]''' [[:File:Journal Package Letter.jpg|Letter "Dear Cousin"]]</ref>


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
The operational history of the SPARTAN-III program has been marked by success and tragedy. Many of the operations undertaken by the soldiers were suicide missions, but were regarded as successes by the UNSC.
The operational history of the SPARTAN-III program has been marked by success and tragedy. Many of the operations undertaken by the soldiers were suicide missions, but were regarded as successes by the UNSC.<ref name="Page 44"/>


===2536 - 2537===
===2536–2537===
*Alpha Company is activated.
*Alpha Company is activated.
*Alpha Company quells [[Insurrection of Mamore|Insurrection at]] [[Mamore]] - Success.
*Alpha Company quells [[Insurrection of Mamore|Insurrection at]] [[Mamore]] — Success.
*[[Battle of New Constantinople]] - Success.
*[[Battle of New Constantinople]] — Success.
*Operations in the [[Bonanza asteroid belt]] – Success.
*Operations in the [[Bonanza asteroid belt]] — Success.
*Operations in the [[Far-gone colony platforms]] - Success.
*Operations in the [[Far-gone colony platforms]] — Success.<ref name="goo88"/>
*Six other successful unnamed battles in which Alpha Company participated.<ref name="Page 83">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', pages 81-83</ref>
*Six other successful unnamed battles in which Alpha Company participated.<ref name="Page 83">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 81-83''</ref>
*July 27 - August 2, 2537 - [[Operation: PROMETHEUS]] – Success, all participants confirmed KIA.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', pages 83-88</ref>
*July 27–August 2, 2537 — [[Operation: PROMETHEUS]] — Success, all participants confirmed KIA.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 83-88''</ref>


===2539===
===2539===
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===2545===
===2545===
*July 3, 2545 - [[Operation: TORPEDO]] – Success, all but two participants confirmed KIA.<!--SPARTAN-B312 was removed from Beta Company immediately after training. He/she did not participate in Operation: TORPEDO. Thus, only two participants survived the battle.-->
*July 3, 2545 — [[Operation: TORPEDO]] — Success, all but two participants confirmed KIA.<!--SPARTAN-B312 was removed from Beta Company immediately after training. He/she did not participate in Operation: TORPEDO. Thus, only two participants survived the battle.-->


===2545 – 2558===
===2545–2558===
*Candidates for Gamma Company are selected.
*Candidates for Gamma Company are selected.
*July 24th to August 30th , 2552 - NOBLE Team participates in the [[Fall of Reach]]. All but [[Jun-A266]] are confirmed KIA. A [[Thirteen dead Spartans|group of thirteen SPARTAN-IIIs]] deployed to defend the [[Aszod ship breaking yards]] are also KIA.
*July 24 to August 30, 2552 — NOBLE Team participates in the [[Fall of Reach]]. All but [[Jun-A266]] are confirmed KIA. A [[Thirteen dead Spartans|group of thirteen SPARTAN-IIIs]] deployed to defend the [[Aszod ship breaking yards]] are also KIA.
**Concurrently, S-III fireteams are deployed to [[Casbah City]] on [[Tribute]] to assist civilian evacuation operations. All members of one team are confirmed KIA.<ref name="Casbah">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 222''</ref>
**Concurrently, S-III fireteams are deployed to [[Casbah City]] on [[Tribute]] to assist civilian evacuation operations. All members of one team are confirmed KIA.<ref name="Casbah">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 222''</ref>
*September - October, 2552 - The majority of Gamma Company are deployed on an unknown mission.
*September–October, 2552 — The majority of Gamma Company are deployed on an unknown mission.
*October 31, 2552 - November 3, 2552 – [[Battle of Onyx]].
*October 31, 2552 — November 3, 2552 — [[Battle of Onyx]].
*February 2553 - The bulk of Gamma Company is integrated into the [[SPARTAN-IV program]] or shifted to non-combatant roles.<ref name="Catalog"/> The joint S-II/S-III [[Blue Team]] are given the choice whether to join.<ref name="SIV"/>
*February 2553 — The bulk of Gamma Company is integrated into the [[SPARTAN-IV program]] or shifted to non-combatant roles.<ref name="Catalog"/> The joint S-II/S-III [[Blue Team]] are given the choice whether to join.<ref name="SIV"/>


==Personnel==
==Personnel==
===Alpha Company===
===Alpha Company===
*[[Team Wolf Pack]]
*[[Team Wolf Pack]]
**[[Robert-A057]]- KIA
**[[Robert-A057]] - KIA during [[Operation: PROMETHEUS]].
**[[Shane-A112]] - KIA
**[[Shane-A112]] - KIA during Operation: PROMETHEUS.
**[[Jane-A203]] - KIA
**[[Jane-A203]] - KIA during Operation: PROMETHEUS.
*Others
*Others
**[[Kai-A019]] - Unknown status; likely killed in Operation: PROMETHEUS
**[[Kai-A019]] - Unknown status; likely killed in Operation: PROMETHEUS.
**[[Emile-A239]] - Reassigned to Noble Team. KIA during the [[Battle of Aszod]].
**[[Emile-A239]] - Reassigned to Noble Team. KIA during the [[Battle of Aszod]].
**[[Carter-A259]] - Reassigned to Noble Team. KIA during the Battle of Aszod.
**[[Carter-A259]] - Reassigned to Noble Team. KIA during the Battle of Aszod.
**[[Jun-A266]] - Reassigned to Noble Team. Serving as a recruiter for the SPARTAN-IV Program as of January 2553.
**[[Jun-A266]] - Reassigned to Noble Team. Holding a command position in the [[Spartan (branch)|Spartan branch]] as of [[2558#March|March 2558]].<ref name="catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2994218_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2994218 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction (Page 43)'']</ref>
**[[Thom-A293]] - Reassigned to Noble Team. KIA during the [[Battle of Fumirole]].
**[[Thom-A293]] - Reassigned to Noble Team. KIA during the [[Battle of Fumirole]].
**[[Rosenda-A344]] - Unknown status
**[[Rosenda-A344]] - Reassigned, unknown status.


===Beta Company===
===Beta Company===
*[[Team Echo]] - KIA
*[[Team Echo]] - KIA during the [[Battle of Onyx]].
*[[Team Foxtrot]]
*[[Team Foxtrot]]
**[[Adam-B004]] - KIA
**[[Adam-B004]] - KIA during Operation: TORPEDO.
**[[Lucy-B091]] - Active as of August 2553, location unknown.<ref name="catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2988772_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2988772 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 38'']</ref>
**[[Lucy-B091]] - Active as of August 2553, location unknown.<ref name="catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2988772_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2988772 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 38'']</ref>
**[[Min-B174]] - KIA
**[[Min-B174]] - KIA during Operation: TORPEDO.
**[[Tom-B292]] - Active as of August 2553; location unknown.<ref name="catalog"/>
**[[Tom-B292]] - Active as of August 2553; location unknown.<ref name="catalog"/>
*[[Team India]] - KIA
*[[Team India]] - KIA during Operation: TORPEDO.
*[[Team Lima]] - KIA
*[[Team Lima]] - KIA during Operation: TORPEDO.
*[[Team X-ray]] - KIA
*[[Team X-ray]] - KIA after encountering [[Onyx Sentinel|Sentinels]].
*[[Team Romeo]] – KIA
*[[Team Romeo]] - KIA during Operation: TORPEDO.
*[[Team Zulu]] - KIA
*[[Team Zulu]] - KIA during Operation: TORPEDO.


*Others
*Others
Line 141: Line 136:


===Gamma Company===
===Gamma Company===
*[[Team Gladius]] – KIA
*[[Team Gladius]] - KIA during the Battle of Onyx.
*[[Team Katana]] - Severely injured, inside [[slipspace field pod]]s. Last known position in Shield World 006.<ref name="glass"/>
*[[Team Katana]] - Severely injured, inside [[slipspace field pod]]s. Last known position in Shield World 006.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 310''</ref>
*[[Team Saber]]
*[[Team Saber]]
**[[Holly-G003]] - KIA<ref>[[Halopedia:Letter - Re:Spartan-Holly|Letter from Eric Nylund]]</ref>
**[[Holly-G003]] - KIA during the Battle of Onyx.<ref>[[Halopedia:Letter - Re:Spartan-Holly|Letter from Eric Nylund]]</ref>
**[[Ash-G099]] - KIA
**[[Ash-G099]] - KIA
**[[Dante-G188]] - KIA
**[[Dante-G188]] - KIA during the Battle of Onyx.
**[[Olivia-G291]] - KIA
**[[Olivia-G291]] - KIA
**[[Mark-G313]] - KIA
**[[Mark-G313]] - KIA
Line 156: Line 151:
***[[Roland (Spartan)|Roland]] - KIA
***[[Roland (Spartan)|Roland]] - KIA
**'''Team 2'''
**'''Team 2'''
*** Unidentified SPARTAN-III - KIA
***Unidentified SPARTAN-III - KIA
***Unidentified SPARTAN-III - KIA
***Unidentified SPARTAN-III - KIA


Line 165: Line 160:
==Equipment==
==Equipment==
===SPI armor===
===SPI armor===
[[File:SpartanIII.jpg|thumb|170px|A Spartan donning SPI armor.]]
{{Main|Semi-Powered Infiltration armor}}
{{Main|Semi-Powered Infiltration armor}}


Semi-Powered Infiltration armor (SPI) was the primary armor system used by the SPARTAN-IIIs. Though more advanced than the [[ODST armor|ODST combat suit]], it is considerably less advanced and less powerful than the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]] used by the SPARTAN-IIs. Its main benefit was that it is drastically cheaper to produce than the MJOLNIR armor.
Semi-Powered Infiltration armor (SPI) was the primary armor system used by the SPARTAN-IIIs. Though more advanced than the [[ODST armor|ODST combat suit]], it is considerably less advanced and less powerful than the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]] used by the SPARTAN-IIs.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 207''</ref> Its main benefit was that it is drastically cheaper to produce than the MJOLNIR armor.<ref name="goo46">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 46''</ref>


This armor is designed with an emphasis on stealth rather than raw power. It features [[Photoreactive panel|photo-reactive panels]] that mimic the surrounding textures which were developed by UNSC scientists. It has been described as "part legionnaire mail, part tactical body armor, and part chameleon." It lacks the energy shielding of the Mark V, VI, and GEN2 MJOLNIR armor designs, and a single hit from an enemy plasma weapon melts the suit's photo-reactive panels, rendering its camouflage capabilities useless.
This armor is designed with an emphasis on stealth rather than raw power. It features [[Photoreactive panel|photo-reactive panels]] that mimic the surrounding textures which were developed by UNSC scientists. It has been described as "part legionnaire mail, part tactical body armor, and part chameleon".<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 16''</ref> It lacks the energy shielding of the Mark V, VI, and [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|GEN2 MJOLNIR armor]] designs, and a single hit from an enemy plasma weapon melts the suit's photo-reactive panels, rendering its camouflage capabilities useless.<ref name="goo113">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 113''</ref>


===MJOLNIR armor===
===MJOLNIR armor===
{{Main|MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor}}
{{Main|MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor}}


SPARTAN-IIIs extracted from their companies were issued with the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor to improve their combat prowess. These included the SPARTAN-IIIs of NOBLE Team, who wore the first version of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] in 2552. A variant of MJOLNIR was designed specifically for Spartans serving in the Army's [[Special Warfare Command|SPECWAR/Group Three]]: [[Mark V(B) MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mark V[B]]].
SPARTAN-IIIs extracted from their companies were issued with the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor to improve their combat prowess. These included the SPARTAN-IIIs of NOBLE Team, who wore the first version of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] in 2552. A variant of MJOLNIR was designed specifically for Spartans serving in the Army's [[Special Warfare Command|SPECWAR/Group Three]]: [[Mark V(B) MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mark V[B]]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 94'' (2011 edition)</ref>


[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR GEN2 armor]] is standard-issue for all Spartans serving in the Spartan branch, including former SPARTAN-IIIs.
MJOLNIR GEN2 armor is standard-issue for all Spartans serving in the Spartan branch, including former SPARTAN-IIIs.


===Augmentation procedures===
===Augmentation procedures===
[[File:BirthOfASpartan - Augmentation.png|thumb|A screen monitoring [[Carter-A259]]'s augmentations during Project CHRYSANTHEMUM]]
{{Main|Project CHRYSANTHEMUM}}
{{Main|Project CHRYSANTHEMUM}}
The SPARTAN-IIIs underwent enhancement procedures similar to those of the SPARTAN-IIs, but with higher success rates due to advancements in technology. The rate of survival went up from 44% for the SPARTAN-IIs to 100% for the SPARTAN-IIIs.
The SPARTAN-IIIs underwent [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|enhancement procedures]] similar to those of the SPARTAN-IIs, but with higher success rates due to advancements in technology. The rate of survival went up from 44% for the SPARTAN-IIs to 100% for the SPARTAN-IIIs.<ref name="goo63">'''Halo: Ghost of Onyx''', ''page 63''</ref>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Ash-G099 is once referred to as a private in ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', suggesting that some SPARTAN-IIIs (perhaps all of Gamma Company) were under the operational command of the Army or the Marine Corps. However, the members of NOBLE Team maintained their Navy ranks despite being under the Army's operational control, so this is most likely an oversight.
*Ash-G099 is once referred to as a private in ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'',<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 254''</ref> suggesting that some SPARTAN-IIIs (perhaps all of Gamma Company) were under the operational command of the Army or the Marine Corps. However, the members of NOBLE Team maintained their Navy ranks despite being under the Army's operational control, so this is most likely an oversight.
*The number of 300 SPARTAN-IIIs in both Alpha and Beta companies, who were both massacred but completed their missions and killed many Covenant warriors in the process is a reference to the fabled last stand of the 300 Spartans in the [[Battle of Thermopylae]].
*The number of 300 SPARTAN-IIIs in both Alpha and Beta companies, who were both massacred but completed their missions and killed many Covenant warriors in the process is a reference to the fabled last stand of the 300 Spartans in the [[Battle of Thermopylae]].
*The protagonist of ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' is [[SPARTAN-B312]], a SPARTAN-III who was pulled from Beta Company right after training.<ref name="comm"/>
*The protagonist of ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' is [[SPARTAN-B312]], a SPARTAN-III who was pulled from Beta Company right after training.<ref name="comm"/>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' {{First mentioned}}
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' {{Fm}}
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
Line 201: Line 196:


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Reflist|2}}


{{SpartanPrograms}}
{{SpartanPrograms}}
[[Category:Spartan-IIIs| ]]
[[Category:Spartan-IIIs| ]]
[[Category:UNSC Special Forces]]
[[Category:UNSC Special Forces]]

Revision as of 00:27, September 23, 2014

Template:Infobox Military Unit

"Make the units better with new technology. Make more of them. And make them cheaper."
— Colonel James Ackerson[1]

The SPARTAN-III program was a top-secret project initiated by the Beta-5 Division of the Office of Naval Intelligence's Section III in order to produce cheap and expendable supersoldiers to stem the tide of the Covenant's onslaught against the Outer Colonies.[1] In active service between 2536 and 2552, the SPARTAN-IIIs turned the tide of several critical battles of the Human-Covenant War. After the war, the remaining SPARTAN-III personnel were given the opportunity to join the newly formed Spartan branch, supplementing the numbers of the SPARTAN-IVs.[2]

The SPARTAN-III project was both a successor and supplement to the SPARTAN-II program. Created and engineered by Colonel James Ackerson of the Office of Naval Intelligence, the SPARTAN-IIIs were to be the next generation of supersoldiers. Composed primarily of vengeful orphans from fallen colonies,[3] they would be cheaper to arm, train, and produce; being chosen from a wider pool of candidates, they would also be more numerous than their SPARTAN-II predecessors. They would rely on teamwork and sheer numbers rather than advanced technology and equipment to achieve effectiveness.[1]

Purpose

The SPARTAN-II program had been a dazzling success for the UNSC. Tales of Spartan supersoldiers fighting off thousands of Covenant attacks had become the stuff of legend. Unfortunately, there were too few SPARTAN-IIs to turn the tide of the war. Even worse, the director for the program, Doctor Catherine Halsey, had postponed the training of new SPARTAN-IIs for years due to the extremely specific genetic requirements for the children to be selected.[1]

The SPARTAN-II program also had several problems and deficiencies which overshadowed its success to the Office of Naval Intelligence. Firstly, the high mortality rate of the children during augmentation was counter-productive to the goal of the program. Next, funding the Spartans, including their training and MJOLNIR armor, cost as much as a battle group, at least according to Rear Admiral Ned Rich.[1] Third, there were far too few of them for them to turn the tide of the war. Finally, the SPARTAN-II program had gone public to improve morale in 2547.[4] Even though it was a huge morale boost to the UNSC, it was a problem for most of the Office of Naval Intelligence. ONI operated in secrecy, and anything that shone light on their operations was seen as detrimental to their efforts.

The SPARTAN-IIIs were designed to be cheap and expendable. Trained in companies of around 300 at a time, they were ultimately sent on suicide missions that the UNSC could not accomplish even with the elite Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.[5] Though the casualty rates of the SPARTAN-IIIs stood at 100 percent on some missions, to ONI, all the operations were strategic successes. They were trading lives for time against the larger and technologically superior Covenant. ONI hoped that in time, enough Spartans would survive to train more and more future Spartans, swelling the ranks of available supersoldiers from only thirty SPARTAN-IIs in 2531 to a hundred thousand SPARTAN-IIIs within ten to twenty years.[1]

SPARTAN-III companies

Members of Alpha Company being inspected by one of their trainers

Alpha Company

Main article: SPARTAN-III Alpha Company

On December 27, 2531, the first group of SPARTAN-IIIs, known as Alpha Company, was sent to Onyx to be trained at Camp Currahee. They were led by Kurt Ambrose, a SPARTAN-II who had been abducted by ONI to administer the program. Of the 497 candidates who were conscripted, only 300 became Spartans.[3] This class of Spartans all survived the augmentations and was activated in November of 2536. Their record was at first exemplary, as they saw action at the Insurrection of Mamore, the Battle of New Constantinople, and at the Bonanza Asteroid Belt.[6] Nine months after they were activated, they were massacred in Operation: PROMETHEUS. All 300 Spartans deployed on the mission were killed.[7]

An unknown number of Alpha Company's members, deemed to match the criteria used in selecting the SPARTAN-II candidates (known as "CAT-IIs"), were hand-picked by Mendez and Kurt before Operation: PROMETHEUS and extracted from the company. These Spartans were assigned to other units—sometimes within other branches of the military—and given MJOLNIR armor. By 2552, four of these Spartans served with NOBLE Team: Carter-A259, Jun-A266, Emile-A239, and Thom-A293.[8]

Beta Company

Main article: SPARTAN-III Beta Company

Beta Company was approved right after Operation: PROMETHEUS in 2537. 418 candidates were conscripted in 2539, but only 300 became Spartans.[9] Disheartened at the loss of Alpha Company, Ambrose used a tougher training program and more thoroughly trained them in unit cohesiveness. Despite their superior training, they were similarly massacred in Operation: TORPEDO in 2545. From the entire company, only two participants survived the battle.[10]

As with Alpha Company, several members of Beta Company deemed too valuable to be wasted on suicide missions were pulled out of the unit before Operation: TORPEDO. Some of them were initially assigned to non-combat roles as cover, much to Colonel Ackerson's dismay, as he wanted to have all Spartans in the field. Like the personnel extracted from Alpha Company, they were issued with special equipment such as MJOLNIR. These included Kat-B320 and SPARTAN-B312, both of whom later served with NOBLE Team, as well as SPARTAN-B170.[8]

Gamma Company

Main article: SPARTAN-III Gamma Company

Gamma Company was trained with the help of the only two SPARTAN-IIIs from Beta Company who survived Operation: TORPEDO: Tom-B292 and Lucy-B091. Lieutenant Commander Ambrose regarded Gamma Company to be the finest of the SPARTAN-III companies. 330 candidates were selected, on average only six years old, and at Ambrose's request all 330 were approved. Every one of them survived the augmentation procedures.[11] Gamma Company received deployment orders only a few weeks after the Fall of Reach and most left Onyx before the Battle of Onyx.[12] Only fifteen SPARTAN-IIIs remained on Onyx as they competed for top honors. Following the battle, seven had been killed in action. Teams Gladius and Katana were not present in the early stages of the battle, leaving only Team Saber. Team Saber was the only SPARTAN-III unit to fight alongside the SPARTAN-II unit Blue Team. With the help of their older, more experienced counterparts, they successfully fought off a Covenant attack along with destroying a Sentinel manufacturing facility. Ultimately, the surviving SPARTAN-IIIs escaped to the shield world at the core of Onyx.[13] The main body of Gamma Company was integrated into the SPARTAN-IV program attached to the newly formed Spartan branch,[2] though some members were returned to non-combatant status.[14] The SPARTAN-IIIs on Onyx (having joined Blue Team) were later recovered by the Office of Naval Intelligence and given the choice to join the SPARTAN-IVs.[15]

Delta Company

Main article: SPARTAN-III Delta Company

Delta Company was proposed and Camp Currahee was being prepared for their arrival when the Battle of Onyx began on October 31, 2552. With the death of Lieutenant Commander Ambrose and the disappearances of SCPO Franklin Mendez and Dr. Catherine Halsey, as well as the immediate concerns of the Battle of Earth and the SPARTAN-IV project, it is highly unlikely that Delta Company was ever trained.[16][17]

Non-company teams

In addition to the standard company formations, many SPARTAN-IIIs were withdrawn after training to serve in specialist units, at least from Alpha and Beta Companies. Most of these Spartans served under the operational command of the Navy and the Army,[18][19] though some served in the Marine Corps,[20] and a select few in the Air Force.[21]

Alpha and Beta Companies initially had 497 and 418 candidates, respectively, although only 300 would become Spartans within each company. Of the "washouts" from these companies, most would later become drill instructors for their successors. However, there may still have been a large recruitment pool from which to draw members for specialist teams. At least four Spartans—Emile-A239, Carter-A259, Jun-A266, and Thom-A293,[22] all of whom would later be assigned to NOBLE Team—were culled from Alpha Company, though the extent of these personnel withdrawals is unknown. Lieutenant Commander Ambrose believed that as much as 1.08% of Beta Company could be folded into base personnel prior to the attack on Pegasi Delta, which was expected to be a bloodbath: SPARTAN-B312 was pulled immediately after training and deployed as a "lone wolf" by an unknown superior; Kat-B320 was extracted (with difficulty) after Operation: CARTWHEEL and assigned to NOBLE Team. Ambrose also attempted to send Lucy-B091 and SPARTAN-B170 on deep, long-term reconnaissance to keep away from Operation: TORPEDO;[8] Lucy ultimately participated in the battle, though B170's fate is unknown. Thom-A293 and Rosenda-A344 also served in the non-company personnel rotation: Thom eventually served as Noble Six, while Rosenda was considered as a possible replacement in case a counter-insurgency arose due to Emile's excessive hostility toward Insurrectionists.[23]

Any remaining non-company units were presumably incorporated into the Spartan branch along with Gamma Company in early 2553.[2]

Headhunters

Jonah and Roland, a Headhunter team.
Main article: Headhunters

Only SPARTAN-IIIs who had survived two or more specially assigned training missions could join the "Headhunters". These two-man teams of SPARTAN-IIIs went on missions far behind enemy lines and were typically expected to die in combat. The Headhunters' existence was secret even to their peers. Once selected, candidates for the program were separated from their fellow Spartans and sent to specialist training camps on the far side of Onyx.[24] The Headhunters were comprehensively evaluated in order to ensure an effective bond between the members of each team. A contingent of six two-man teams, as well as five additional Headhunters, was maintained at all times to ensure the program's numbers remained constant should one or both members of a team be lost.[25] The Headhunters' SPI armor was more advanced than the suits issued to most SPARTAN-IIIs, as it included energy shielding, motion trackers, and VISR technology, and could also support a prototype active camouflage module.[26] It is unclear whether the Headhunters were maintained after the SPARTAN-IIIs' incorporation into the Spartan branch.

MJOLNIR-equipped teams

Out of those SPARTAN-IIIs withdrawn from their companies, many were equipped with MJOLNIR armor and deployed similarly to the SPARTAN-IIs rather than on suicide missions like their peers.[27][28][29] These MJOLNIR-clad SPARTAN-IIIs played a crucial role in many battles throughout the war in every branch of the military. Since the public was not aware of the distinction between the S-IIs and the S-IIIs, the latter let their predecessors take credit for their actions.[30]

Many MJOLNIR-clad SPARTAN-IIIs defended the planet Reach during the Covenant's invasion of the planet. Gauntlet and Echo Teams were rumored to be deployed in civilian evacuation operations on August 23.[31] Concurrently, multiple SPARTAN-III teams—and an unknown number of SPARTAN-IIs—were deployed to the capital city of Casbah on Tribute. One of these fireteams held off a bevy of Covenant vessels while a small number of civilians escaped aboard a transport craft. Though the entire team was killed, the SPARTAN-IVs on the UNSC Infinity would later pay homage to their courage with a simulation of the engagement.[32] By 20:00 hours on August 30, thirteen Spartans had perished near the Aszod ship breaking yards, the last evacuation point on the continent of Eposz; soon, SPARTAN-B312 of NOBLE Team would die in the same location in a valiant last stand.[33]

NOBLE Team

NOBLE Team.
Main article: NOBLE Team

NOBLE Team was a special operations squad of the UNSC's Special Warfare Command. Unlike the Headhunter program, NOBLE Team was entirely separate from the SPARTAN-III program, being made up of SPARTAN-IIIs extracted from both Alpha and Beta Companies and serving under the Army's operational jurisdiction.[34]

Composed of five SPARTAN-IIIs and a SPARTAN-II, NOBLE Team was issued MJOLNIR armor, which is much more advanced than the cheaper Semi-Powered Infiltration armor issued to most SPARTAN-IIIs. Their most notable combat deployment was during the Fall of Reach. The team was commanded by Carter-A259, with Kat-B320 as his second-in-command. All but Jun-A266[35] were killed in combat during the Fall of Reach.[36] NOBLE Team's sacrifice was later commemorated with a statue at Hősök tere in the city of New Alexandria on Reach.[37]

Operational history

The operational history of the SPARTAN-III program has been marked by success and tragedy. Many of the operations undertaken by the soldiers were suicide missions, but were regarded as successes by the UNSC.[1]

2536–2537

2539

  • Candidates for Beta Company are selected.

2545

2545–2558

  • Candidates for Gamma Company are selected.
  • July 24 to August 30, 2552 — NOBLE Team participates in the Fall of Reach. All but Jun-A266 are confirmed KIA. A group of thirteen SPARTAN-IIIs deployed to defend the Aszod ship breaking yards are also KIA.
    • Concurrently, S-III fireteams are deployed to Casbah City on Tribute to assist civilian evacuation operations. All members of one team are confirmed KIA.[32]
  • September–October, 2552 — The majority of Gamma Company are deployed on an unknown mission.
  • October 31, 2552 — November 3, 2552 — Battle of Onyx.
  • February 2553 — The bulk of Gamma Company is integrated into the SPARTAN-IV program or shifted to non-combatant roles.[14] The joint S-II/S-III Blue Team are given the choice whether to join.[2]

Personnel

Alpha Company

Beta Company

Gamma Company

Others

  • Headhunters
    • Team 1
    • Team 2
      • Unidentified SPARTAN-III - KIA
      • Unidentified SPARTAN-III - KIA

Equipment

SPI armor

File:SpartanIII.jpg
A Spartan donning SPI armor.
Main article: Semi-Powered Infiltration armor

Semi-Powered Infiltration armor (SPI) was the primary armor system used by the SPARTAN-IIIs. Though more advanced than the ODST combat suit, it is considerably less advanced and less powerful than the MJOLNIR armor used by the SPARTAN-IIs.[42] Its main benefit was that it is drastically cheaper to produce than the MJOLNIR armor.[43]

This armor is designed with an emphasis on stealth rather than raw power. It features photo-reactive panels that mimic the surrounding textures which were developed by UNSC scientists. It has been described as "part legionnaire mail, part tactical body armor, and part chameleon".[44] It lacks the energy shielding of the Mark V, VI, and GEN2 MJOLNIR armor designs, and a single hit from an enemy plasma weapon melts the suit's photo-reactive panels, rendering its camouflage capabilities useless.[45]

MJOLNIR armor

Main article: MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor

SPARTAN-IIIs extracted from their companies were issued with the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor to improve their combat prowess. These included the SPARTAN-IIIs of NOBLE Team, who wore the first version of the Mark V in 2552. A variant of MJOLNIR was designed specifically for Spartans serving in the Army's SPECWAR/Group Three: Mark V[B].[46]

MJOLNIR GEN2 armor is standard-issue for all Spartans serving in the Spartan branch, including former SPARTAN-IIIs.

Augmentation procedures

Main article: Project CHRYSANTHEMUM

The SPARTAN-IIIs underwent enhancement procedures similar to those of the SPARTAN-IIs, but with higher success rates due to advancements in technology. The rate of survival went up from 44% for the SPARTAN-IIs to 100% for the SPARTAN-IIIs.[47]

Trivia

  • Ash-G099 is once referred to as a private in Halo: Ghosts of Onyx,[48] suggesting that some SPARTAN-IIIs (perhaps all of Gamma Company) were under the operational command of the Army or the Marine Corps. However, the members of NOBLE Team maintained their Navy ranks despite being under the Army's operational control, so this is most likely an oversight.
  • The number of 300 SPARTAN-IIIs in both Alpha and Beta companies, who were both massacred but completed their missions and killed many Covenant warriors in the process is a reference to the fabled last stand of the 300 Spartans in the Battle of Thermopylae.
  • The protagonist of Halo: Reach is SPARTAN-B312, a SPARTAN-III who was pulled from Beta Company right after training.[8]

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, pages 44-48
  2. ^ a b c d Halo: Glasslands, page 435
  3. ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 70 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "Page 70" defined multiple times with different content
  4. ^ Bungie.net: The Spartan Project
  5. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 15
  6. ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 88
  7. ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, pages 81-83
  8. ^ a b c d Bungie.net: Communique from Kurt to Mendez
  9. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 89
  10. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, Prologue
  11. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, pages 96-120
  12. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 139
  13. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, pages 369-383
  14. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction, Page 14
  15. ^ Halo: Glasslands, pages 382-389
  16. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 121
  17. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 85
  18. ^ Halo: Reach
  19. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, pages 29, 62, 101-105, 130, 139, and 165
  20. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 101
  21. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 139
  22. ^ Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction (Page 51)
  23. ^ Bungie.net: Emile-A239 personnel profile
  24. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "Headhunters", page 161
  25. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "Headhunters", page 160
  26. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "Headhunters", pages 163-165
  27. ^ See references under "Non-company teams".
  28. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, pages 33, 66, 119
  29. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 146
  30. ^ Headhunters, page ???
  31. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level New Alexandria
  32. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 222
  33. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Lone Wolf
  34. ^ Bungie.net: NOBLE TEAM PERFORMANCE REPORTS
  35. ^ Halo: Initiation, Issue #1
  36. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Lone Wolf
  37. ^ Halo: Reach Legendary Edition Letter "Dear Cousin"
  38. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, pages 83-88
  39. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction (Page 43) Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "catalog" defined multiple times with different content
  40. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 310
  41. ^ Letter from Eric Nylund
  42. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 207
  43. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 46
  44. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 16
  45. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 113
  46. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 94 (2011 edition)
  47. ^ Halo: Ghost of Onyx, page 63
  48. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 254

v • d • e
 
The SPARTAN programs and related topics
Training and protocol
Technology
Non-UNSC super soldiers
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